Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor increases circulating CD34-postive cells in patients with...

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Gene Therapy
• Virology

Background:

• Gene therapy for AIDS requires a high number of target cells.
• The number of circulating hematopoietic progenitor cells (CD34 cells) is a limiting factor in AIDS gene therapy.
• Neutropenia is common in AIDS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) can increase the absolute number of CD34 cells in AIDS patients.
• To assess the safety of G-CSF treatment in AIDS patients, specifically regarding HIV replication.

Main Methods:

• Eight patients with AIDS and neutropenia were treated with daily subcutaneous injections of 300 micrograms G-CSF for 3-5 days.
• Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and absolute CD34 cell counts were monitored.
• HIV-1 RNA PCR was used to detect changes in HIV replication.

Main Results:

• G-CSF treatment led to a significant increase in ANC in all patients, from a median of 0.4 to 3.4 x 10(9)/l.
• G-CSF significantly increased the absolute number of CD34 cells, with a median rise from 0.8 to 2.2 x 10(6)/l.
• HIV-1 RNA PCR showed no enhanced HIV replication in patients treated with G-CSF.

Conclusions:

• G-CSF can be safely used to mobilize CD34 cells in patients with AIDS.
• The mobilization of CD34 cells by G-CSF may enhance the feasibility of gene therapy protocols for AIDS.
• G-CSF treatment offers a potential strategy to increase target cells for AIDS gene therapy without exacerbating viral load.